Photography exhibition “America: Now and Here” opens Nov. 3

A photography exhibition featuring 13 artists will be on display in Furman University’s Thompson Gallery, Roe Art Building, Nov. 3-Dec. 3. Thompson Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with special hours Saturday, Nov. 7, 2-5 p.m.

The exhibition, America: Now and Here, features a portfolio from the same-titled project which was launched in 2011. The initiative was conceived by Eric Fischl who hoped to open dialogue about American identity through art in communities across the country.

The exhibition is comprised of 13 photographs by artists of various disciplines including: Lyle Ashton Harris, Ross Bleckner, Chuck Close, Eric Fischl, Ralph Gibson, April Gornik, Sally Mann, Vik Muniz, Lou Reed, David Salle, Andres Serrano, Laurie Simmons, and Bill Viola.

The collection of photographs is a gift to the university from Furman alumni Robert Crosland (Class of 1975) and Sheryl Maxwell Crosland (Class of 1974) of Mount Pleasant.

The exhibition is being featured during the Southeast Regional Society for Photographic Education (SPE) conference, which will be held in Greenville Nov. 6-8, at the Fine Arts Center. Furman is a sponsor for the SPE conference.

America: Now and Here was inspired in the aftermath of 9/11 when Eric Fischl invited a group of his friends and peers to submit a work of art reflecting their points of view and hopes for America. His intent was to start a conversation that would spark local activities and fuel imaginations, fostering the passion, talent and resourcefulness of individuals throughout the country. He wanted to connect the considerable talent in artistic communities with citizens from coast to coast.

For more information about the exhibition, contact the Furman University Department of Art, (864) 294-2074.